The IRS continues to warn the public to be alert for telephone scams and offers five tell-tale warning signs to tip you off if you get such a call. These callers claim to be with the IRS. The scammers often demand money to pay taxes. Some may try to con you by saying that you’re due a refund. The refund is a fake lure so you’ll give them your banking or other private financial information. [Read more…]

Identity theft remains a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service in 2014. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes nationwide, and refund fraud caused by identity theft is one of the biggest challenges facing the IRS. This year, the IRS continues to take new steps and strong actions to protect taxpayers and help victims of identity theft and refund fraud. [Read more…]

Last Tuesday, January 23, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department announced the results of a massive national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft. Working with the Justice Department’s Tax Division and local U.S. Attorneys’ offices, the nationwide effort targeted 105 people in 23 states. The coast-to-coast effort took place over the last week and included indictments, arrests and the execution of search warrants involving the potential theft of thousands of identities and taxpayer refunds. In all, 939 criminal charges are included in the 69 indictments related to identity theft.

To help taxpayers, the IRS created a new, special section on IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft matters, including YouTube videos, tips for taxpayers and a special guide to assistance. Below is their video showing different ways to protect yourself.

Identity Theft – sends shivers down most spines. Did you know that using the wrong password could make it easier for hackers to steal your identity. Hackers are the bad guys who use your computer and/or online accounts to steal from you. A recent study revealed that in 32 million instances of successful hacking, the following passwords were used. First take a look at these top 10 worst passwords, then keep reading to find out how to make smarter passwords. Just like in home security, if the target is too difficult, the thieves will move on to the next one. Make yours harder to break into than your neighbors. [Read more…]